It’s that time of the year again where everything will be all about roses, chocolates, and love. The month of February is quickly approaching and I know; you’d be busy planning your V-day.
However, how about spending this Valentine’s Day taking care of the most important person in your life? How about showering some self-love and practice self-care this V-day?
In this fast-paced life where we’re always running to meet never-ending deadlines and working super-hard to pay our bills on time; it’s challenging to find time for ourselves and relax. This V-day, it’s your chance to spend some quality time nourishing your mind and body.
If you’re wondering how you’re going to have a super peaceful Valentine’s Day this year, keep reading for I have 6 wonderful self-care ideas and tips for you.
6 self-care ideas for Valentine’s Day:
Spa Night At Home
If you’re someone who enjoys spending time alone at home, this is the best way to pamper yourself. Light a candle, play some soft music, take a hot bubble bath with essential oil and apply a refreshing homemade mask. This is surely going to make you feel out of this world and you will be able to spend some quality time with yourself.
You can always look out for some online tutorials to make healthy face-masks that would nourish your skin.
Disconnecting From Social Media For Mindfulness
Take a break from social media and enjoy this alone time.
We’re so busy scrolling our Instagram or Facebook feed that we hardly realize how much negatively we’re impacted by this mindless activity.
Spare some time this V-day to practice mindfulness and be actually there for yourself. Experience every single moment and be mindful of everything you do.
Declutter Your Way To Happiness
Clutter in your space shows clutter in your head.
It’s indeed necessary to keep your space clean and tidy. I really don’t mean doing a deep-cleaning thing here but having a neat and refreshing space will give you a soothing feel and you’ll actually love spending time there.
Throw away everything that doesn’t serve the purpose. This is a sign of welcoming new things, creating space for better, bigger things.
Move your body
How about getting some ‘feel-good’ hormones?
Endorphins appear whenever you keep your body active. This doesn’t mean that you have to practice hard-core exercise or go to the gym. You can always move your body by going on a long walk, jogging, dancing your heart out and so much more. Deep breathing exercises are also known to release endorphins and calm the body.
Just make sure that you’re waking up those hormones and spending some time nourishing your physical health.
Just say no
We have a hard time saying no to everyone. Be it a friend or a colleague or even our family members. It’s so conditioned inside our heads to do every single thing. However, you need to realize that you’re just like other humans and you cannot do it all.
So, it’s okay to say no to late-night parties and have a deep sleep meditation instead. You don’t have to keep saying yes beyond your capacity of doing things and you’re worthy of saying ‘no’.
Practice gratitude journaling
If you’re looking for doing some mindful activity this V-day then journaling is your best friend.
While chasing life’s achievements, we usually forget how blessed we’re for having everything we desired. This is your time to sit in peace and appreciate all the little things in life. Be grateful for your own self as well. You have come far and are so worthy of celebrating your journey.
Make a list of all the things you’re grateful for and write a little note of gratitude for yourself. Not only will this make you feel good in the moment, but with continued practice, it can improve your overall mental health.
In the end, may this V-day remind you to spend some quality time with yourself by showering much-needed love and care. And don’t forget to treat yourself to your favorite meal and a glass of wine (if you partake).
I hope that these self-care activities show you the path to practice the art of being with yourself and living a stable life.
Problem Eating: The issue most women don’t realize they have.
Until my trainer put me on the scale and did my body composition information and dug into my eating habits, I had no idea I have a problem eating.
Problem Eating: Working Out But Not Eating Enough
Not that I have a problem eating and then purging, or that I binge. Rather, I don’t take the time or really care about making the food. I didn’t grow up with a parent who cooked with spices or flavoring. I just knew it was something that I needed to do, basically to live.
That carried on to adult life. Most days, if it gets past 6:30 pm and I haven’t eaten. I will just say I’m not going to eat. Even if I didn’t eat more than one time that day. With a to-do list that most people have no idea how I do it, and more and more being added by the day, eating and eating enough was always pushed to the end of the list.
There were and sometimes still are, days where I would get lightheaded with low blood sugar, my body temperature would be off, and I would feel like I was going to pass out. Would that make me eat?
NOPE.
I would instead grab a coffee or a highly sugared drink and drink that to help me get through.
It’s no wonder that when my trainer told me to eat more, it freaked me out.
Not the fact that we were going to work out 3x minimum a week.
The idea of intensity exercise did not scare me. In order to build muscle mass and lose weight, physical activity is necessary.
Not that I was going to gain muscle and reduce my body fat.
In order to achieve my weight loss goals, I knew that I might need to start watching my calorie intake, avoiding high levels of sugar, and getting my metabolic rate back on track. Sort of like a female athlete. Still, this was not what freaked me out the most.
NOPE.
I was terrified of how I was going to find the time and energy to be able to eat to feed my muscles and body so I could work out. I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to find anything that I could throw in my bag that would work on the go. Terrified of having to cook and fix meals daily instead of meal prepping. One day a week like I’d done in the past. Would I be able to make time? Would I lose muscle / progress if not? So many questions running through my mind.
Bullet Journal Food Tracker
But, I knew I needed to make the change. So I agreed to do it. I kept a food journal of food intake like we had to do in high school for FACS class. And put times and what I ate. In the beginning, I put in the ounces or quantities very strictly.
I needed to prove to myself that I could do it.
The first few days, I felt so full and almost sick to my stomach for how much I was eating. It felt like my body was rejecting all of the food. Because I had it on starvation mode for so long. After a few days, my metabolism started picking up. I spent a ton of time I didn’t have and still don’t, in the bathroom and my body would actually get hungry.
Looking at this now, a month in, I realize that I’m showing my girls how I react to food as an adult. I know that now, they are fine eating, and eating ALL THE TIME. But I was probably the same at their age. If I don’t change my mind and attitude about food and eating, I could be creating trouble for them down the road.
Which is why I’m so glad I’ve taken the necessary steps now. When I can, to get this under control.
I keep a daily food diary and try to stick as close to the times as possible so I can keep my body on a schedule. But sometimes I get off. I’m also doing my best to ensure I’m eating enough food, and that I eat as much fresh and plant based as possible to full my body properly. I’ve learned that hydration is key. I drink a minimum of (3) 40 oz Hydro Flasks a day and try to get in a coconut water or two as well. The weight surprisingly is coming off and I’m eating more than when I was/have been in the past year.
I’m excited to see where this goes.
But my hope is more than anything that I don’t fall back to the old ways of not making time to eat. I’m hoping that I learn a few easy recipes and tricks along the way to share here. Because we can all use something to simplify our lives.
If you are interested in working out with my trainer or doing things from home, you can visit their Instagram and sign up for the Live classes they are offering. Visit their link HERE.
Work Life Balance Problems And Solutions
In her article for the New York Times, Nicole Sperling argues that the vast majority of women in the United States feel like they are falling behind in both their personal lives and their careers. While the proportion of women in the workforce has increased dramatically in recent years, the number of women in high- profile jobs has actually declined. And, as more and more women juggle full-time careers with family responsibilities, they are struggling to keep up.
According to Sperling, this “work-life balance” is a major health condition for women, and one that is often overlooked. menstrual cycle, The gender gap is also an issue when it comes to health care. In her article, Sperling cites a study that found that only 39 percent of women said they had access to ob-gyn care, compared to 78 percent of men. This disparity is particularly troubling given that breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Clearly, there is still a lot of work to be done when it comes to women’s health. However, Sperling’s article reminds us that the issue is complex and multifaceted. By raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by women today, we can begin to address them and bring them to light.
Emotions make a human being. Your emotions allow you to vent your thoughts and feelings. It is the response to any kind of circumstance that affects you, and when you are attuned to your emotions, it can be really beneficial to you.
Even though emotions play an important role in our lives, too many emotions can wreak havoc on our mental and physical health. When our emotions start getting out of control, or rather, starts controlling us, it takes a great toll on our health and well-being.
It’s necessary to know when to temper your emotions to bring more balance into your life. Listed below are some ways with which you can regulate your emotions so that they don’t get out of hand.
How To Not Let Your Emotions Control You
1)Give yourself a little space
Sometimes, a situation can trigger our emotions to such an extent that we start to lose control of how we are behaving. This is when you need to create some distance between yourself and your emotions.
Blocking emotions and distracting yourself are two different things. When you block emotions, you avoid or repress them. But, feeling emotions is a good thing. You should not strive to forget about them completely.
When you give yourself a little space, you temporarily distract yourself from the emotion, only to revisit it later when you are in a better headspace. You might feel angry now, but you won’t feel as angry later.
Some ways you can create a mental distance between yourself and your emotions are:
a) Talk to a friend
b) Read or watch something funny
c) Go for a walk
2)Breathing exercises
When you feel too happy or furious, just slowing down and taking a long deep breath can help you regain control and composure. As well as prevent a possible emotional outburst.
Once again, the purpose of this is not to stop the emotion you are feeling, but to bring it under your control.
Deep breathing exercises can help you avoid any extreme reactions to the situation.
Take a deep breath in and then hold it while you mentally count to five. Then exhale as slowly and steadily as possible on the count of five. You can also use a mantra like ‘I’m calm’ to calm yourself down. Repeat the mantra over and over in your head and it will serve to lessen the intensity of your emotion.
3)Accept all your emotions
Often, when we have an extreme emotion, we tend to repress it instead of accepting it. This leads to bottled-up feelings that burst one day in a massive reaction, an emotional outburst.
This can be prevented by acknowledging and accepting all your emotions. When you can’t find a pen and you start hyperventilating, what do you do? You try to convince yourself that it’s just a pen, and it’s no big deal.
This is counteractive. By trying to convince yourself that this is not a situation you should have such emotions for, you are invalidating yourself. That simply doesn’t help in any situation.
Instead, start practicing how to allow yourself to feel intense emotions without blocking them. It won’t happen in a day or two, but with regular practice, you will be able to master it. And once you master it, you will be able to easily handle strong emotions without letting them affect you in some kind of huge reaction.
4)Maintain a mood journal
Journaling is a superb way to tap into your pent-up emotions. Writing down your feelings allows you to think deeper about them and helps you identify any distorted thought patterns or specific triggers.
Once you can identify which triggers get the most response out of you, you can then come up with ways to manage your emotions in that particular situation. Resulting in a healthy relationship between you and your emotions.
Journaling leads to better results when practiced daily. Maintain a mood journal where you write down whenever you feel an excess of any emotion, be it sadness or anger or even happiness. Write when you feel bad and when you feel good. The key is moderation, not repression. Maintaining this journal helps you to get in tune with all your emotions and seeing them from a different point of view. Plus, journaling is a great way to practice mindfulness.
Finally,
If your emotions are too unstable or you feel like you cannot get them under control, you should try talking to a therapist. There is no shame in asking for help when you need it. Once you learn how to balance your moods and feelings, you will feel much more in control of your life. Reclaim your life now, by dealing with your emotions in a healthy and positive way.
It’s normal to feel anxious, angry, or sad from time to time. This is a normal part of life. However, if you find that your emotions are constantly controlling you, it may be time to learn some emotional regulation strategies. Luckily, there are many different techniques you can try. Some people find that journaling or mindfulness helps them to control their emotions in the moment. Others find that cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication is more effective in the long term. If you’re not sure where to start, talking to a mental health professional can help you figure out which approach is right for you.
Learning how to control your emotions takes time and practice, but it’s worth it. After all, feeling calm and in control of your life is a goal worth striving for. I hope this article helps you in controlling your emotions better. What are your thoughts on the same? Feel free to drop your experiences and views in the comments below.
Do you want to be happy? Of course you do! Who doesn’t want to be happy? In this blog post, we will discuss some proven ways that you can be happy and enjoy your life. Many people think that happiness is something that just happens, but that’s not true. You have to work at it! There are many things you can do to make yourself happier. We will discuss a few of them in this blog post. Read on to learn more!
Proven Ways to Be Happy and Enjoy Your Life
1. What is happiness, and why do we want it?
Happiness is often thought of as a positive emotion or state, but it actually refers to a range of positive experiences and life satisfaction. Research shows that happiness is associated with positive emotions like joy, interest, satisfaction, and contentment, as well as with life satisfaction. There are many reasons why people want to be happy, but some of the most common include feeling good about oneself, enjoying life experiences, and living a meaningful and fulfilling life. There are proven ways to increase happiness and enjoyment in life, such as practicing gratitude, savoring positive experiences, and expressing positive emotions. By making positive choices and taking positive actions, we can all enjoy greater happiness in our lives.
2. The science of happiness
According to positive psychology, there are several scientifically proven ways to increase your happiness. One way is simply to focus on positive thoughts. This positive thinking can take the form of gratitude, savoring positive experiences, or looking for the silver lining in tough situations. Another way to boost your happiness is by engaging in acts of kindness. Helping others not only benefits them, but it also makes you feel good. In fact, studies have shown that altruistic behavior is linked with increased happiness and mental health. So next time you’re feeling down, try thinking positive thoughts or performing an act of kindness. It just might make you feel a little bit happier.
3. The benefits of happiness
According to experts, one of the best ways to be happy is to keep a gratitude journal. In gratitude journaling, you write down things that you’re thankful for each day. This can help improve your mood by increasing positive thinking and gratitude. Additionally, gratitude journaling is part of the brain associated with happiness and pleasure. As a result, gratitude journaling can help you feel happier in the short term and potentially lead to a higher level of happiness in the long term. So if you’re looking for ways to enjoy your life more, consider starting a gratitude journal today! When people are happier, they tend to have a better immune system meaning they will feel happier for longer.
4. How to be happy in your everyday life
Being happy is something that we all want to achieve in our lives. And while there’s no magic formula for happiness, there are certain things you can do to increase your chances of experiencing everyday joy. Research has shown that spending time outdoors, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, listening to upbeat music, listening to upbeat music, having a grateful attitude, spreading joy, learning to let go, practicing daily self-care, eating balanced meals, having meaningful conversations, developing a positive mindset, and meditating can all help to boost your mood.
Additionally, trying new things and taking up new hobbies can also lead to a sense of satisfaction and contentment. If you are looking for more happiness in your life, you might cut down the time you are spending on social media since it tends to cause triggers and unhappy feelings. So if you’re looking for ways to be happy in your everyday life, these proven tips just might do the trick.
5. Additional tips for achieving happiness
It’s no secret that spending money can make you feel happier, but did you know that there are certain ways you can spend your money to maximize your happiness? That’s right – by following a few simple tips, you can enjoy greater happiness in your life.
First, consider spending money on experiences rather than things. Research has shown that people get more enjoyment from spending money on experiences, such as vacations or concerts, than on material possessions. So if you’re looking to boost your happiness, plan your next vacation instead of buying a new car.
Second, think about how your purchase will impact others. Spending money on items that will bring joy to others – such as gifts for loved ones or donations to charity – can also lead to increased happiness. So next time you’re considering a purchase, think about how it will affect not just yourself, but also the people around you.
6. Final thoughts
It is often said that happiness is a state of mind. While that may be true to some extent, there are also certain things that you can do to help bring about a sense of happiness and enjoyment in your life. The tips in this article are just a few of the many proven ways to be happy and enjoy your life. Give them a try, and see what works for you. You may be surprised at how much of a difference they can make. Whatever you do, remember that happiness is something that comes from within. So, always keep your mind open to new possibilities and always strive to find ways to make your life more enjoyable. With a little effort, you can be well on your way to a happier and more fulfilling life.
Had a rough day at work? Had an argument with a friend? Life can give you plenty of bad days as it gives you good ones. Nonetheless, these bad days and bad moments do not define your life. They just pass, but when they are there, they can make you feel vulnerable, make you cry, but the worst they can do is put a toll on your mental health.
I’m certain you do not want that. Hence, it is empirical to do something about it. You can approach a loved one, vent, and cry in their arms, or you can be self-reliant even when you are handling your grief.
A self-care box can help you with that.
Wondering what it is? Read on and find out.
How to make a self-care box
Before we proceed with the instructions, let me take a moment to tell you what a self-care box is. The name might give it all away, yet it is a box that contains all the things that make you smile and feel pampered.
So to begin with…
STEP 1
Get yourself a carton. You can make use of parcels or shoe boxes. This box will contain all the things you would require to help you feel better when you need it most.
STEP 2
Once you have it, invite your creative self. It’s not necessary to decorate your self-care box, but I highly suggest you do it. It is your special box, and it has to be cute, chic, and pretty. If you want to purchase a box or container that’s nice and decorated as you like, that’s a good option.
Here’s what you can use to decorate it.
A pretty wrapping paper
Mirrors
Stickers
Ribbons
Glitter
Paints
Pins
To be generic, these are all the items you would need for decoration. However, if you can think of anything else, you are most welcome.
In case you are out of ideas, seek refuge in Pinterest. You can find tons of creative ideas there. Remember, the objective is not entirely to make your self-care box cute and chic, but to make you grab the art craft. Art is enjoyed by everyone, even when one is not good at it.
STEP 3
Finally, it’s time to include everything that you would want to put in the box. For that, you have to ask yourself what makes you happy? What is your idea of a perfect chilling day? Based on that, you can proceed.
However, we do have some ideas
Affirmation flashcards – Ask yourself what would you like to hear on a bad day? This is what you have to write on those cards. You can also write, “My boss sucks.”
Photographs
To remind you that you have had great days before. And you have to be grateful for them.
To remind you that no matter what, you have these people to love you.
To remind yourself that, you were loved.
Tissues – To wipe away your cute sobbing eyes.
Some other things
Scented Candles (A cozy and pleasant ambiance is therapeutic)
Your favorite playlist
Some of the most memorable gifts people gave you.
Chocolates (To pamper yourself, also because you are the cutest, most adorable. Amazing, and sweetest (sweeter than this chocolate) human being who deservesthis.)
Your favorite book.
Herbal Tea
A soft toy.
Your favorite nail paint. (It might be hard for you to pick one. I can sense the struggle.)
A Journal
Bubble generator (Because you are just a kid with a number)
A reminder of your childhood days.
Crackers or cookies
A cute sock or headband to feel cute and adorable (Though you already are.)
A coloring book (Because as mentioned, you are still a kid at heart. And you don’t have to be Picasso, just enjoy the artistic process.)
Well, that’s all I could think of but I bet there would be plenty of ideas in your head as to what to include in the box. So go ahead, be your own person. Pamper yourself, make yourself smile. You are precious, let your self-care box remind you that when you are at your lowest.
Do you have your own self-care box? Are you planning to make one? These are great things to make with your children so they have something to comfort them when maybe they have a bad day or need some self-care. Whatever it is, feel free to share with me in the comment section.
Mental health is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 adults in the United States suffers from mental illness. That’s more than 43 million people! It’s no wonder that mental health is becoming a more common topic of discussion in the workplace. Employers are starting to realize that they need to do something about this problem. And employees are starting to speak up about their struggles. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and strategies for addressing mental health in the workplace.
How to Address Mental Health in the Workplace: Tips and Strategies
1. What is mental health and why should we care about it in the workplace?
Mental health is a broad term that refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It includes our ability to cope with stress, make decisions, relate to others, and function in our daily lives. When we talk about mental health in the workplace, we are referring to the way employees interact with their work environment and how their work affects their mental health. For example, an employee who is constantly stressed out by their job may suffer from anxiety or depression.
There are many signs of mental illness, and it can be difficult to identify them in others. However, some common signs to look out for include changes in mood, energy levels, sleep patterns, appetite, and concentration. If you notice any of these changes in an employee, it’s important to have a conversation with them about their mental health.
Creating a safe space for employees to talk about their mental health is essential. This can be done by establishing policies and procedures that support employees’ mental health needs. For example, you could create a confidential space for employees to talk about their mental health struggles. You could also offer resources and support, such as counseling services or employee assistance programs.
2. The signs of mental illness and how to identify them
Mental health is an important issue that should be addressed in the workplace. Mental health issues can lead to poor job performance, absenteeism, and even accidents. It’s important to be able to identify the signs of mental illness so that you can address the issue before it becomes a problem. Some of the signs to look for include: poor concentration, changes in eating or sleeping habits, withdrawal from social activities, mood swings, and irritability. If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a coworker, it’s important to take action. There are several things you can do to manage stress and improve mental health. These include: getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks during the day.
If you or a coworker are struggling with mental health, there are several resources available to help. These include counseling services, employee assistance programs, and support groups. Several hotlines offer confidential support, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273- TALK (8225).
3. How to create a safe space for employees to talk about their mental health
Mental health is a vital part of overall employee wellness. But mental health issues are often left unaddressed in the workplace. Mental illness is a real and serious problem that can have a major impact on employee productivity, morale, and even safety. In fact, poor mental health can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism, and medical claims costs. Mental health problems can also result in lost productivity due to job dissatisfaction, lower morale, and higher levels of stress. As an employer, you have a responsibility to create a healthy workplace that takes into account the mental well-being of your employees. There are several ways to address mental health in the workplace, including:
– Providing access to mental health care resources:
Make sure your employees have access to mental health resources, such as counseling services, employee assistance programs, and support groups.
– Promoting a healthy work-life balance:
Encourage your employees to take breaks during the day, get regular exercise, and eat a healthy diet.
– Addressing stress in the workplace:
Address sources of stress in the workplace and implement policies and procedures to help reduce stress.
– Creating a confidential space for employees to talk about mental health:
Establish a confidential space where employees can openly discuss their mental health struggles. This could be in the form of one-on-one conversations, support groups, or employee assistance programs.
If you are concerned about an employee’s mental health, it’s important to have a conversation with them about their struggles. By creating a safe and confidential space for employees to talk about mental health, you can help address the issue before it becomes a problem.
By following these tips, you can create a mentally healthy workplace that supports your employees’ well-being. Mental health is an important issue that should be addressed in the workplace. By taking action to address mental health, you can create a healthier workplace for your employees.
4. The benefits of addressing mental health in the workplace
It’s estimated that one in five adults in the United States live with a mental health condition, and many of them are employed. This means that there’s a good chance that someone you work with is struggling with their mental health. As an employer, it’s important to create a workplace that is supportive of employees’ mental health needs. There are several ways to do this, including offering health services and creating an atmosphere that is open to discussion of mental health conditions. By taking steps to address mental health in the workplace, you can create a healthier and more productive environment for everyone.
Addressing mental health in the workplace starts with creating a culture of open communication and respect. Employees should feel comfortable discussing their mental health with their supervisors or managers, without fear of judgement or reprisal. It’s also important to provide employees with access to mental health resources, such as counseling services, employee assistance programs, and support groups.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace has numerous benefits for both employers and employees. For employers, addressing mental health can lead to reduced absenteeism and presenteeism, lower medical claims costs, and increased productivity. For employees, addressing mental health can lead to improved job satisfaction, increased morale, and reduced stress.
By taking steps to address mental health in the workplace, you can create a healthier and more productive environment for everyone.
It’s estimated that one in five adults in the United States live with a mental health condition, and many of them are employed.
This means that there’s a good chance that someone you work with is struggling with their mental health. As an employer, it’s important to create a workplace that is supportive of employees’ mental health needs. There are several ways to do this, including offering health services and creating an atmosphere that is open to discussion of mental health conditions. By taking steps to address mental health in the workplace, you can create a healthier and more productive environment for everyone.
Mental health services and employee mental health and a safe environment for employees to feel comfortable will help to increase productivity and keep everyone happy. Addressing mental health for yourself as well as those in your workplace by establishing an Employee Assistance Program, building a supportive culture in the workplace, and modeling healthy behaviors as well as flexibility and inclusivity will help keep the door open and ensure mental health is at the forefront in the workplace.
Do you have some of these things in your workplace or other things you have that make your mental health much better? Please feel free to share with us in the comments.
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